BOLLINGER Vielles Vignes Françaises Blanc de Noirs Vintage Champagne 2013
- SKU:
- 3919799
- UPC:
- 2310059233310
95 points “The 2013 Vieilles Vignes Françaises is a powerhouse. Deep in colour the 2013 is rich and ample in feel. Apricot spice orange jam cedar dried herbs ginger honey and leather all meld together in a VVF that is decidedly opulent and vinous despite the cool season and harvest that took place on September 27 late by present-day standards. Sadly production has decreased steadily since 2008. Accumulated drought has been a challenge. Those conditions are of course amplified by the walls of the clos in these two parcels and the naturally warm climate of Aÿ. I find the 2013 decidedly exotic and a bit on the heavy side. Those lucky enough to own it will experience one of the most distinctive wines in all of Champagne. Production was less than 1 000 bottles.” – Antonio Galloni Vinous
That tasting note from one of the world’s most respected critics says it all. He has previously said that Bollinger’s Vieilles Vignes Françaises “remains one of the most compelling wines – still or sparkling – in the world.”
Regarded as Bollinger’s prestige cuvée Vielles Vignes Françaises represents one of the world’s most coveted Champagne releases. Produced in very small and ever-dwindling quantities Vielles Vignes Françaises is made solely from Pinot Noir grapes taken from vineyards on ungrafted rootstocks planted at an incredibly high density. In 2005 one of the three vineyards Croix Rouge succumbed to the root-munching louse phylloxera so will not longer be part of this wine. The remaining two plots – Clos Chaudes Terres and Clos St Jacques – survived but the volumes have been drastically reduced. We have secured just two bottles so will be limiting it to one per customer while stocks last.
The 2002 release is deep gold in colour opening with aromas of roasted nuts and toasted crusty bread. Subtle notes of mirabelle and red plum create a beautifully autumnal feel. On the palate hazelnuts vanilla cardamom gingerbread chalk and lemon verbena mingle with apricot jam spread on buttered baguette. The finish is reminiscent of citrus sorbet chalk and a crisp sea breeze. Great concentration and immense depth form a rounded velvety and mouth-filling quality that reveals layer upon layer of complex flavour.
Launched in 1974 Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises is a Champagne collectible. Over the decades its uniqueness and scarcity have made it one of the most sought-after wines in the world and few have done more to establish the reputation of Blanc de Noirs.
Champagne Bollinger was founded in 1829 by Jacques Bollinger and soon earned a reputation for quality. Under subsequent generations its reputation has gone from strength to strength and today it’s one of the most prestigious of all Champagne brands. Stylistically Bollinger is renowned for its rich and savoury style.
SKU No.: 3919799
Style No.: 916339
Region: Champagne
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Closure: Cork
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 12%
Volume: 750ml
Allergens: Sulphites
95 points “The 2013 Vieilles Vignes Françaises is a powerhouse. Deep in colour the 2013 is rich and ample in feel. Apricot spice orange jam cedar dried herbs ginger honey and leather all meld together in a VVF that is decidedly opulent and vinous despite the cool season and harvest that took place on September 27 late by present-day standards. Sadly production has decreased steadily since 2008. Accumulated drought has been a challenge. Those conditions are of course amplified by the walls of the clos in these two parcels and the naturally warm climate of Aÿ. I find the 2013 decidedly exotic and a bit on the heavy side. Those lucky enough to own it will experience one of the most distinctive wines in all of Champagne. Production was less than 1 000 bottles.” – Antonio Galloni Vinous
That tasting note from one of the world’s most respected critics says it all. He has previously said that Bollinger’s Vieilles Vignes Françaises “remains one of the most compelling wines – still or sparkling – in the world.”
Regarded as Bollinger’s prestige cuvée Vielles Vignes Françaises represents one of the world’s most coveted Champagne releases. Produced in very small and ever-dwindling quantities Vielles Vignes Françaises is made solely from Pinot Noir grapes taken from vineyards on ungrafted rootstocks planted at an incredibly high density. In 2005 one of the three vineyards Croix Rouge succumbed to the root-munching louse phylloxera so will not longer be part of this wine. The remaining two plots – Clos Chaudes Terres and Clos St Jacques – survived but the volumes have been drastically reduced. We have secured just two bottles so will be limiting it to one per customer while stocks last.
The 2002 release is deep gold in colour opening with aromas of roasted nuts and toasted crusty bread. Subtle notes of mirabelle and red plum create a beautifully autumnal feel. On the palate hazelnuts vanilla cardamom gingerbread chalk and lemon verbena mingle with apricot jam spread on buttered baguette. The finish is reminiscent of citrus sorbet chalk and a crisp sea breeze. Great concentration and immense depth form a rounded velvety and mouth-filling quality that reveals layer upon layer of complex flavour.
Launched in 1974 Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises is a Champagne collectible. Over the decades its uniqueness and scarcity have made it one of the most sought-after wines in the world and few have done more to establish the reputation of Blanc de Noirs.
Champagne Bollinger was founded in 1829 by Jacques Bollinger and soon earned a reputation for quality. Under subsequent generations its reputation has gone from strength to strength and today it’s one of the most prestigious of all Champagne brands. Stylistically Bollinger is renowned for its rich and savoury style.
SKU No.: 3919799
Style No.: 916339